Arts

Center for Design, Media and the Arts

Northern Virginia Community College, Alexandria, VA

This three-story academic facility serves the campus’s art and music programs, housing spaces for courses in graphic design, photography, dance, and drama studies.

The design also features an activity room, a bookstore and café, and a Head Start facility with an outdoor play area. The outdoor entry plaza contributes to the pre-function space necessary for various presentation and performance activities. The two terraces allow for outdoor studio work, student lounge areas, and overflow for bookstore café patrons.

This project achieved LEED Gold certification in 2017. Notable sustainable design features include low-flow plumbing fixtures to reduce water use by over 30 percent and exterior light fixtures that help prevent light pollution.